I’m starting a value-added production, agritourism, cottage food, educational, etc venture…. Should I form a separate business entity?

An often-asked question when diversifying farm operations is, "Do I need a separate business structure"? Here is what you need to know.

For farms otherwise dependent on raw agricultural product sales, value-added products and diversification (agritourism, classes, jams and cottage foods, etc.) can tap into more profitable revenue streams. But! Each diversification opportunity presents interesting legal questions for the farm business entity. One of these questions is “should I form a new business entity for the new enterprise?” Fortunately, we have a workbook to help you answer that question. Check out the Farmers’ Workbook for Deciding on a Second Business Structure for a step-by-step decision-making guide that will leave you with confidence in your decision and clear next steps.

For more details, Chapter 11: Business Structure Considerations When Diversifying or Adding Value to Farm Products of our Farmers’ Guide to Business Structures will provide examples of farms working through this decision, and point you to information about business structure options.

Of course, don’t forget our extensive resources on diversification overall.

If a separate entity is right for your proposed venture, explore all our resources on choosing and setting up a farm business structure right here.

Resources

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Business Structures

Guiding Resilience: A Legal Workshop for Ag Service Providers, Fall 2025

This five-week workshop empowers ag service providers in guiding
farmers and ranchers towards legal resiliency.
Join us in learning the 10 best practices of farm legal risk management.

Live sessions meet at 12 pm CDT on 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, and  10/14

Guiding Resilience: A Legal Workshop for Ag Service Providers, Fall 2025

This five-week workshop empowers ag service providers in guiding
farmers and ranchers towards legal resiliency.
Join us in learning the 10 best practices of farm legal risk management.

Live sessions meet at 12 pm CDT on 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, and  10/14